Present
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Russell Nutter |
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Bob King |
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Rosemary Prince |
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David Burt |
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Neil Liversedge |
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David Roberts |
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Janet Goody |
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Sarah Mann |
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Pritpal Sagoo |
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Cliff Gulbis |
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Samantha Menear |
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Robert Southgate |
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Barry Harness |
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Andy Moncur |
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Trevor Williams |
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Nick Hoyle |
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Richard Munns |
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Apologies: Andy Moncur, Neil Liversedge, David Roberts, Richard Munns
Welcome: The Chairman welcomed Sheila George, President ERHA, and Annette Thorpe, Hon. Gen. Secretary ERHA, to the meeting.
Minutes of previous meeting: Agreed as correct.
1. Correspondence
1.1. Noted that Shefford 4 have withdrawn from EML 8SW
2. Playing matters
2.1. Noted that there were no FIH approved 3G pitches in East. In the event that such a pitch is installed, the East Leagues would have to consider the competition level it might carry
2.2. An Essex Univ early season postponement was refused, and the match was successfully played.
2.3. Club views on the split in 6NW: no further comments received. BH to maintain watching brief.
2.4. Arrangements for results reporting in the absence of Richard Munns were working well.
2.5. EML Manager reports and issues
Men’s League
Prem A, Prem B, Div 1
No significant problems apart from the organisation of postponements for senior indoor matches, several of which have been requested well after the league deadline due to the deadline for East indoor entry being later than the start of the league season. In view of the confusion this might have caused, no penalties will be applied for such late postponements in these and other divisions this season, and the wording of the rule will be reviewed for next season (TW). However, clubs should note that late requests for postponements cause difficulties for the other clubs and the League will continue to press for indoor clubs to be more considerate in their organisation, particularly as the East Indoor Qualifier dates and entry forms are available from mid-summer.
1, 2N, 2S
No significant issues apart from a late indoor postponement, as above.
3-6NE
Only issue is a
possible failure to directly confirm a change in match time - under
investigation.
3-4NW
No significant issues.
5-7NW
Following a match
between St Neots 3 and Wisbech 4, both teams complained that the other had
doubled up players without informing the opposing Captain. As both Captains
signed the teamsheets to signify a fair game, the result will stand, but both
clubs will be given firm advice regarding their future conduct when doubling
up players (BH).
3-5SW
No significant
issues apart from a late indoor postponement, as above.
7-9SW
Problems have been
caused by changes in match times loaded on to the East website but not
communicated directly to the other club. Consideration will be given to giving
more information about the input dates of changes on the website, but this will
NOT relieve clubs of the need to be considerate in promptly informing opponents
of changes, as required by the league rules (TW).
3-6SE
Noted that match had
been awarded against Chelmsford 3 for using the 1st team EHL
goalkeeper as a field player.
Concerns had been received about a Brentwood 1 bench player playing down having allegedly been playing significant parts of 1st team games. Club will be reminded that the rule is only intended to allow a player who regularly spends a lot of time on the bench to obtain necessary match practice, e.g. a reserve goalkeeper (PS).
7-10SE
Complaints had been
received from clubs and umpires about the state of the John Orwell pitch. To
be discussed with the resident club, Wapping HC (SM).
East
Women’s League
Premier
No outstanding issues.
1S, 1N
No outstanding
issues.
2NE, 2NW
Noted that the Deeping
Sports Centre had pronounced the Market Deeping pitch unfit for play. Clubs
are seeking alternative venues.
2SE, SW
A number of players from one club playing indoor for their
school was discussed. Noted that we cannot give a club a
postponement because of a school match (SM).
3. League structure and organisation
Issues associated with County League promotion strength were discussed. Smaller county leagues are providing teams that struggle to cope with East Division 2, and there are recent examples of such teams refusing promotion or dropping out. We do not wish the East League to be weakened in this way, nor do we want teams to be unhappy and struggling in East matches. This situation needs a thorough review to determine if solutions can be found through changed league structures or procedures. It is proposed that the Hon. Gen. Sec ERHA, Annette Thorpe, undertake this work, and the proposal will be discussed at the next ERHA Management meeting. AT would prepare terms of reference for any agreed project., and would be co-opted on to the League Management Committee for the duration.
4. Finance
4.1. A few league fines are outstanding but being chased (SM)
4.2. Sponsorship moneys are being gathered (TW).
5. Umpiring
5.1. -
6. Discipline
6.1. A review of yellow cards will be carried out mid-season. There may have been an increase due to inexperience with the new playing rules.
7. Rule change proposals for the 2009 AGM
7.1.
Version 1 of the
complete review of the rules is now complete. Committee agreed to individually
check through this and provide comments and suggestions directly to TW. An
amended version will then be made available to Clubs in January.
Although the main intention is to clarify wording rather than change the
intent of rules, a few changes in intent were agreed to be desirable and will
be put to the 2010 AGM. These relate to promotions into EWL and EML, numbers
of teams in divisions, placing of new teams in EML, teams dropping out of EML,
the minimum number of league Committee meetings, and a definition of the role of
Results Coordinator. ERHUA have additionally agreed to look at some
aspects of rule 5.1 to improve consistency across the region.
8. AGM and Presentation Day:
8.1. No offers to host had been received. Although recent hosts had provided excellent facilities and organisation, it would be good to involve other clubs if possible. Suggestions will be sought from ERHA Management Committee next week, but if a new venue is not found, Ford HC will be approached (PS).
9. Future meetings: 4th Feb, 15th Apr. AGM 6th June.